HC Deb 22 December 1982 vol 34 cc933-4
4. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe about the detained air force officers and the tourists who were abducted.

Mr. Onslow

As my noble Friend explained in another place on 18 November, the detained air force men are all Zimbabwean citizens and so Her Majesty's Government are not entitled to make formal representations on their behalf. We have, however, repeatedly expressed our concern to the Zimbabwean authorities about the reports that some of the detained men have been ill treated. We have continued to urge that they be brought to trial soon.

With regard to the kidnapped tourists, we have maintained close and regular contact with the Zimbabwean authorities since the abduction took place. We are satisfied that they are doing all that they can to secure the release of the tourists.

Mr. Johnston

Can the Minister say nothing about where the tourists may be or whether we have been asked to help in any way to discover where they are? Is he aware, for example, that they are alleged to be in a deserted part of Botswana? With regard to the air force officers, in view of the good relations with Zimbabwe to which he referred, is it possible categorically to deny that torture took place and to say when they may be brought to trial?

Mr. Onslow

With regard to the hon. Gentleman's second point, I hope that he will understand that I can make no such categorical denial, but I have no reason to suppose that, if the air force officers were ill treated, it was an act of policy carried out on behalf of the Zimbabwean Government. I have no knowledge of the tourists' whereabouts. I do not think that there is anything that I can usefully add to what I have said except that I am quite sure that the Zimbabwean authorities are approaching methodically and systematically the task of locating them.

Mr. John Townend

Has my hon. Friend instructed our high commissioner in Zimbabwe to be in contact with Mr. Ian Smith since his recent loss of passport and the seizure of his papers? Has my hon. Friend any comment to make?

Mr. Onslow

There is no need for our high commissioner to be instructed to contact Mr. Ian Smith, and I have no further comment to make.